The latest issue of Fly Tyer magazine has some wonderful streamer info. There are several pages of artistic streamers, the pattern recipes, and several links to some great sites.
On the front cover is a streamer celebrating the 100th anniversary of L.L. Bean. It's drop dead gorgeous.
Jungle Cock is a very pricey feather. But there are times when you can buy a cape that has mixed feathers that is some with split nails and some prime ones. This can be seen in the cape pictured. The split nails can be repaired very easily with nail polish, and this can make this fragile feather stronger.
Here is a JC nail that has a split in it. By simply putting a light coat of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails on the back side it can be repaired.
The repaired nail. There are times when these split capes can be had for as little as 30.00. Compare this to a prime cape that sells for 100.00.
A streamer, a Dace Pattern, tied with a repaired JC nail.
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
When I eventually find some more time and get around to tying a number of streamer patterns I'm interested in I will have to keep that tip in mind....thanks! BTW, another great streamer
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
DeleteThanks.
It sure can save you a few bucks.
Clever thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeletefishermanrichard,
DeleteThanks.
A little work to save big $$$$
Alan
ReplyDeleteGreat Post as always--Alan I featured your Bomber fly in my latest post. That fly can really get the attention of a weary trout. Thanks getting this great pattern to me!!
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
I saw the post. I'm glad you liked the flies.
I've been tying and fishing streamer patterns for many years. I have four or five old jungle cock necks. Some are pretty picked over, some still have all their feathers. They are of various shades, and a couple have a lot of split nails. In my old age I need to use these feathers; whatever youngsters pick over my estate when I'm gone won't even know what they are.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Lew Oatman type of streamers, and our Midwestern trout do too.
Anonymous,
DeleteThanks.
Your to young to go anywhere.
I to am a fan of Oatman. His Shushan Postmaster a great fly, as are his Darter patterns.
Al, do you pick up your Capes on e-bay or online? I've found a few in the past on e-bay, but they always seem to just step outside my price margin...But you're right, the split ones can be significantly less.
ReplyDeleteI need to pick up a cape for Salmon and Spey patterns soon.
-Tony
Tony,
DeleteThanks.
I have purchased several on Ebay, good deals to. I also purchased some at the fly fishing shows. Those Spey flies are wonderful flies.
I've always been a C-cape kinda guy for 30 something buck and the price of some flexement or SHHN you can't go wrong. By the way the body work on that Dace is phenomenal!!!!
ReplyDeleteBill,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
I'm with you on saving $$$.
Thank you for the streamer comment.
I want to thank you for posting the cover of Fly Tyer. I'm the originator of the LLBean 100th Anniversary Streamer. Your compliment is very much appreciated and I'm glad that you like the piece. I see you attend the shows, have we met? Nice blog!
ReplyDeleteSharon E. Wright
sharonwright.com,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Sharon it's a wonderful streamer. I'm glad I have the opportunity tell you that.
I have not met you, but will make it a point to do just that.
Thanks for the visit and comment, I hope you'll do it often.
Alan
Looks like you've got a great setup with your bench. You should give us a tour someday. That's great that you got Ms. Wright's attention!
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